Birmingham Council says 'no' to topless dance club

Published: Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 11:29 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM | The Birmingham City Council voted 6-3 to deny a dance permit for The Furnace, a proposed topless club in downtown Birmingham, further delaying an opening once planned for last summer.

Plans for the $3.5 million, 6,000-square-foot club have been stalled by questions over liquor and dance permits at the state and city levels.

Furnace attorney Ferris Ritchey said he will appeal to the Jefferson County Circuit Court.

Some council members said opposition from a variety of parties swayed Tuesday's decision. Eleven people talked to the council Tuesday about concerns ranging from the economic impact on surrounding businesses to immorality.

<p>BIRMINGHAM | The Birmingham City Council voted 6-3 to deny a dance permit for The Furnace, a proposed topless club in downtown Birmingham, further delaying an opening once planned for last summer.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>Plans for the $3.5 million, 6,000-square-foot club have been stalled by questions over liquor and dance permits at the state and city levels.</p><p>Furnace attorney Ferris Ritchey said he will appeal to the Jefferson County Circuit Court.</p><p>Some council members said opposition from a variety of parties swayed Tuesday's decision. Eleven people talked to the council Tuesday about concerns ranging from the economic impact on surrounding businesses to immorality.</p><p>Lee Loder, Valerie Abbott, Carol Reynolds, Carole Smitherman, Gwen Sykes and Joel Montgomery voted to deny the dance permit. Bert Miller, Roderick Royal and Elias Hendricks voted for it. Hendricks accused opponents of using scare tactics.</p><p>"They meet all the requirements of the law and it is incumbent upon us to give them their permit," he said.</p><p>Loder said he voted against the request because Ritchey did not present a complete application. Ritchey said they filled out the application as they were instructed to do.</p><p>-- -- --</p><p>Information from: The Birmingham News</p>